The American Society for Enology and Viticulture’s national conference a few weeks ago included a one-day symposium on water management in California vineyards. Several speakers described interesting research and new technology that likely will help growers in the near future use much less water by using it much more efficiently. (You can read my article on the keynote address from the conference by clicking here.)

The University of California, Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology has proposed two new UC extension staff positions that are currently being reviewed by the state for funding. The department is asking those in the industry to post comments of support to demonstrate the value and need for more skilled extension specialists. “We feel that both of these positions will significantly strengthen our extension continuum from farm advisor to CE Specialist to on-campus faculty positions,” department chair David Block said in an email. “We hope you will go online right away and voice your support.”

Rack & Riddle, the Sonoma County winery that specializes in méthode Champenoise sparkling wine production recently installed a brand new riddling system that will let the winemaking team run custom riddling programs.

The upcoming harvest will be the 30th for Oregon vintner Joe Dobbes, who founded Dobbes Family Estate and the custom crush operation Wine by Joe in 2002. The Oregon native began his career by landing an internship at the German winery Weingut Tesch, during a post college tour of Europe.